ED C&I 831 Ken Meredith’s Blog

The video by Ted – Are Schools Killing Creativity was very interesting.

Point 1:

He was talking about educating kids about the future, when we don’t have a clue what the future will look like.  This rekindled my interest in a theory called emergence.  In very simple terms, emergence theory is based on a bottom-up structure where complex environments can evolve from simple interactions with very little structure.  

In the technology world, the evolution is occurring at a pace that humans cannot keep up with.  It is then impossible to predict the future of technology.  Humans are used to top-down structures.  Emergent theory suggests a bottom-up structure with very few rules.  This type of structure may help to maximize the potential of technology as it rapidly evolves.

If you ever get a chance to read about emergence theory, it is certainly takes a different spin on the evolution of technology.

Point 2:

Ted was discussing why literacy and numeracy are more important than other subjects (like the arts).  Although he didn’t specifically speak of technology, I do believe this to be the case with technology.

Many people view technology as a tool.  I agree with this analysis; however, technology is more than a tool.  Technology is becoming (or already is) a staple in society.  It is not only a tool to make our lives easier, rather it is an integrated part of our society.

I predict that in our lifetimes, technology will become the 4^th R of education, but I not stupid enough to bet on it.